Turning on the Christmas lights is not a major event, not even in Primrose Hill. So the council considered it a coup to get David Miliband to attend.

But just as the former Labour leadership candidate started the countdown, somebody pressed the button prematurely and the lights were on before he had a chance to speak. Matters were not improved when Tory councillor Jonny Bucknell screamed “Turn them off, turn them off, TURN THEM OFF”. This allowed Miliband to comment about “uncouth” Tories and their expectation of a “master servant” relationship even in the task of switching on Christmas lights. So much for the season of goodwill.